Capewell's "AGAS" Precision Airdrop System Completes Testing
July 30, 2004, Kingman AZ: Capewell Components Company, LLC of South
Windsor, Connecticut and Vertigo, Inc. of Lake Elsinore, California completed a highly successful final test of their jointly developed precision guided parachute system - the Affordable Guided Airdrop System, "AGAS". The test was conducted during the last week of July on a remote drop zone in northern Arizona. During this test 11 AGAS units were dropped over a three day period from 13,000 feet MSL with an average distance from the drop zone target of an incredible 48 meters (m). AGAS also achieved a Circular Error Probable (CEP) of 34m. The US Army uses CEP as a measure of accuracy, and requires a CEP of 100m or less to qualify precision guided systems. AGAS also displayed its ability to fly to multiple drop zones when 3 AGAS units were dropped in 1 airdrop pass and each AGAS flew successfully to a different target on the drop zone.
This 2,200 lb AGAS version offers numerous enhancements which include: rapid field access to batteries and electronic components for reuse or to deny seizure by enemy forces, a lower profile and reduced weight guidance unit (159lbs, down from 240lbs), Kevlar risers, a portable high altitude Mission Computer, a lightweight WindPack, an in-flight replaceable Flight Control Unit, a simplified rigging procedure (adds only ½ hour to standard CDS rigging), rapid data transmission, and continuous GPS signal verification. Planned future enhancements include a canopy release system for use in high wind situations on the drop zone and integration of AGAS into Planning Systems, Inc.'s (PSI) PADS (Precision Air Drop System) mission planner selected for use by the USAF Air Mobility Command (AMC) in C-17 and C-130 aircraft. AGAS again proved it is the most mature, affordable, reliable, and easy-to-use accurate precision guided system available.
